6/2/2016 12:10:00 PM
HEADLINES
FIC Picks Wheeler for NIFMSE Hall of Fame; Kertis for 1st Young Fastener Professionals Award
The Fastener Industry Coalition committee selected Bruce Wheeler, chairman of Star Stainless Screw Company, as the 2016 inductee into the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo Hall of Fame.
Ryan Kertis of Stelfast Inc. will receive the first Young Fastener Professional award.
Wheeler started in fasteners in 1973, working in the warehouse of Star Stainless Screw Company. Subsequently he worked in nearly every department of the company, moving from the warehouse to the sales department and branch manager. After nearly a decade in sales he was promoted to executive vice president and then president.
Wheeler finds solid relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees are critical in a successful business and to this day he still operates with an open door policy.
“The nuts and bolts of business are easy, the real challenge is in managing a vast number of employees,” Wheeler said.
Kertis founded the Young Fastener Professionals in 2014, which now provides the next generation of fastener professionals education, collaborating & networking.
“Ryan recognizes the need to develop the next generation of fastener professionals and is creating innovative ways to help this important group acquire and develop the skills they need to succeed in our industry. We feel this, in addition to his many admirable personal qualities, merits Ryan to be the first recipient of the Young Fastener Professional award,” said Vickie Lester of the FIC board.
While attending night classes at Monmouth University to complete his MBA, Kermis’ first post-collegiate job was with Porteous Fastener Company in inside sales in 2009. In 2012, he completed his MBA and joined Stelfast Inc. as the pricing manager where he would be responsible for the development & adjustment of customer pricing on a national level.
Wheeler has been active in leading young fastener professionals trying to navigate the industry.
“It’s important to acknowledge that our industry is changing and we’re in need of young people who are eager to learn the ropes while we work towards moving our industry forward,” show director Susan Hurley said. “And we do that by embracing fresh, new perspectives and ideas from the younger generation of fastener professionals.”
“We are excited more than ever to partner with the Young Fastener Professional community and we’re proud to start recognizing the next generations of young, driven leaders,” Hurley said.
Wheeler and Kertis will be recognized at 2:30 pm Wednesday during the October 25-27, 2016, NIFMSE in Las Vegas. Web: fastenershows.com
Emerald Expositions, operates more than 50 U.S. business-to-business trade shows plus face-to-face events in total, including conferences, summits and other events. Emerald acquired NIFMSE after the 2015 trade show and turned to the Coalition – which represents 13 fastener trade organizations – to choose NIFMSE HoF inductees. ©2016 Fastener Industry News
Related Links:
• NIFMSE
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